Police capture Stratham violent assault suspect

CONCORD — A man wanted in connection with a violent assault against a woman in Stratham in June of last year has been captured.

Arthur Huffman, 44, was arrested Monday night in Salem, Mass., by members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force from Massachusetts, along with members of the Salem Police Department.

The arrest culminated a multistate search by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Texas.

Huffman was wanted on an outstanding Rockingham County arrest warrant issued on Jan. 7, 2013 for two counts of second degree assault — strangulation and kicking, and simple assault. That warrant stems from Huffman's alleged violent assault on a female victim at a residence in Stratham in June, 2012.

As this investigation developed, it was learned that Huffman was arrested in Mansfield, Texas, in December for an alleged sexual assault (rape). Huffman was released on $35,000 bond in that case and fled Texas. This led investigators in Texas to seek an arrest warrant as well, for bail violations. The investigation turned back to Massachusetts where Huffman was known to have a lot of family and friends.

On Monday evening, members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force from Massachusetts were conducting surveillance on a residence of a known associate of Huffman. After a period of time, Huffman was observed leaving the residence in a vehicle driven by a family member. The car was stopped on Bridge Street in Salem, Mass., by members of the Marshals Fugitive Task Force and the Salem Police Department, where Huffman was arrested without incident.

Huffman was brought to the Salem Police Department, where he was charged with being a fugitive from justice on the outstanding arrest warrants from both New Hampshire and Texas. Huffman will be held pending his initial court appearance in Salem District Court on Tuesday. After Huffman's court appearance, he will likely held without bail pending his return to New Hampshire and eventually Texas to face outstanding charges.

U.S. Marshal David Cargill, Jr. from New Hampshire said, “This investigation crossed many jurisdictions from N.H. to Texas and back to Massachusetts.” Cargill continued “It's important to note that the U.S. Marshal's Fugitive Task Force's around the country and around the globe are comprised of extremely talented, dedicated and hard-working investigators that don't stop until the fugitive is in handcuffs!”

U.S. Marshal John Gibbons from Massachusetts said “I agree, and couldn't be prouder of the exceptional team work by all of the members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force from coast to coast.” Gibbons continued, “Without this group effort and cooperation, fugitives like Huffman might continue to roam the streets and jeopardize the public's safety.”

Since the inception of the New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force in 2002, these partnerships have resulted in over 4,392 arrests.